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In Ontario, few studies have focused on immigrant parents of children and youth with developmental disabilities (DD), or have looked at gender differences and similarities in social support and service needs in the context of parenting children with developmental disabilities. Previous research by Dr. Khanlou’s research team has identified the unique challenges of raising children with DD for immigrant families. For example, the research team has found an amplification effect in the way immigrant families of children with DD experience challenges in relation to language barriers and the complexity of navigating the multiple systems of service for families (Khanlou et al., 2015; Khanlou et al., 2015).

This new study explores the barriers and solutions for young adults with DD and their family caregivers (Canadian-born and immigrant) to accessing social funding. The research objectives are:

To understand young adults with developmental disabilities and their family caregivers’ awareness and perceptions of various funding models (direct/flexible/self-directed social funding versus indirect or agency-based funding) and;

To explore the advantages and disadvantages in accessing those funding models in terms of gender and migration status.

The proposed study is one of the first of its kind in Canada. Through its focus and design, the study will help bridge the knowledge gap regarding young adults with DD and their family caregivers’ experiences of accessing social funding for developmental services. By including service providers in the study, the team will have multiple perspectives on the barriers and supports related to accessing social funding for developmental services in Ontario. The study results can be used to design accessible, responsive and seamless use for young adults with DD and their families in Ontario’s increasingly diverse communities and society.

For more information please see attached Study Flyers or contact Dr. Luz Maria Vazquez, Research Coordinator, at lvazquez@yorku.ca.

References:

Khanlou, N., Haque, N., Sheehan, S. & Jones, G. (2015). ‘‘It is an Issue of not Knowing Where to Go’’: Service Providers’ Perspectives on Challenges in Accessing Social Support and Services by Immigrant Mothers of Children with Disabilities. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 17:1840–1847. DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0122-8 Available URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10903-014-0122-8